search engine friendly heading
Candidate Login
Candidate Services
Browse by Sector
Career Advice
« back to Career Surgery index
SMP Solutions Guide to Job Application Forms
Job application forms come in all shapes and sizes both online and in paper format. Many companies only use a basic form to collect key personal data and your CV would do the rest of the 'talking', or they may not require application forms at all.
Most Private companies, whether small or large, who use application forms for their recruitment process, are likely to have forms anything from 4 -6 pages.
Forms for the Not for Profit and especially Public sectors are more likely to be a minimum of 6 pages and maximum of anything up to 30 pages, depending on the type of role!
Is there a way to short cut the process or do you need to complete every last detail?
Unfortunately, the simple answer is no, you cannot short cut the process and yes you do have to complete every last detail!
However, don't be put off by this as there is a definite art to completing forms to ensure that you make the 'yes' pile and are selected for an interview. Basically, do you want to get the job or not?
The best advice is, follow these top 10 tips but if you are in any doubt, seek advice from someone you know who has mastered the art and been successful or from a Career Development Consultancy, as it could make the difference!
Here are our top 10 tips for successful application forms
1. Read the instructions carefully, all the clues are there
2. If there is mention of applying for the recruitment pack then do this, as you will be lost without it and will have no chance of success!
3. Always make a photocopy for a trial run or just in case you mess up!
4. Plan your time and don't be put off by the workload, as you may need up to a day, depending on the amount of pages
5. Answer all the questions and address each bullet and sub bullet point
6. If it is not possible to complete electronically, ensure you write legibly (in black ink and/print if this is specified)
7. Where possible use details from your CV, as a good CV will have much of the information
8. Study the person and job specifications and relate your answers to these
9. If there are questions regarding equal opportunities, these will be important, think through your answers carefully providing specific positive examples
10. Last but not least, making the shortlist for interview is almost exclusively determined by how well you complete the key question about 'providing additional information to support your application'.
This means please 'sell yourself' to us by providing as much relevant information on how your skills, knowledge and personal attributes will add value to the job role. Use as many specific examples to illustrate this as possible, as this will demonstrate your competence and fit for the job.
Good luck and remember that you may need a few attempts before you master the art, so it is can pay to apply for jobs that you may not be totally sure about for the practice.
Copyright SMP Solutions (2007) Career & Personal Development Consultancy
'helping you unlock your potential'
www.smp-solutions.co.uk
SMP Solutions Guide to Job Application Forms
Job application forms come in all shapes and sizes both online and in paper format. Many companies only use a basic form to collect key personal data and your CV would do the rest of the 'talking', or they may not require application forms at all.
Most Private companies, whether small or large, who use application forms for their recruitment process, are likely to have forms anything from 4 -6 pages.
Forms for the Not for Profit and especially Public sectors are more likely to be a minimum of 6 pages and maximum of anything up to 30 pages, depending on the type of role!
Unfortunately, the simple answer is no, you cannot short cut the process and yes you do have to complete every last detail!
However, don't be put off by this as there is a definite art to completing forms to ensure that you make the 'yes' pile and are selected for an interview. Basically, do you want to get the job or not?
The best advice is, follow these top 10 tips but if you are in any doubt, seek advice from someone you know who has mastered the art and been successful or from a Career Development Consultancy, as it could make the difference!
Here are our top 10 tips for successful application forms
1. Read the instructions carefully, all the clues are there
2. If there is mention of applying for the recruitment pack then do this, as you will be lost without it and will have no chance of success!
3. Always make a photocopy for a trial run or just in case you mess up!
4. Plan your time and don't be put off by the workload, as you may need up to a day, depending on the amount of pages
5. Answer all the questions and address each bullet and sub bullet point
6. If it is not possible to complete electronically, ensure you write legibly (in black ink and/print if this is specified)
7. Where possible use details from your CV, as a good CV will have much of the information
8. Study the person and job specifications and relate your answers to these
9. If there are questions regarding equal opportunities, these will be important, think through your answers carefully providing specific positive examples
10. Last but not least, making the shortlist for interview is almost exclusively determined by how well you complete the key question about 'providing additional information to support your application'.
This means please 'sell yourself' to us by providing as much relevant information on how your skills, knowledge and personal attributes will add value to the job role. Use as many specific examples to illustrate this as possible, as this will demonstrate your competence and fit for the job.
Good luck and remember that you may need a few attempts before you master the art, so it is can pay to apply for jobs that you may not be totally sure about for the practice.
'helping you unlock your potential'
www.smp-solutions.co.uk
